Solar PV Analysis of Fairplay, United States
Fairplay, Colorado, located in the Northern Temperate Zone at coordinates 39.2231, -106.0034, offers a mixed potential for solar energy generation throughout the year. The location experiences significant seasonal variations in solar output, which can impact the overall efficiency of solar PV systems.
Seasonal Solar Performance
Summer stands out as the most productive season for solar energy in Fairplay, with an impressive 7.36 kWh per day output for each kilowatt of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely behind, generating 6.44 kWh per day. However, the performance drops considerably during autumn and winter, with 4.41 kWh and 3.18 kWh per day, respectively.
These figures indicate that Fairplay experiences a significant solar energy potential during the warmer months, making it an attractive location for solar PV installations. The extended daylight hours and typically clearer skies in summer and spring contribute to this higher productivity.
Optimal Panel Placement
To maximize year-round solar energy production in Fairplay, fixed solar panels should be tilted at a 34-degree angle facing south. This optimal angle takes into account the location's latitude and seasonal variations in sun position, ensuring the best possible energy capture throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Fairplay offers good potential for solar energy, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Snow accumulation: Fairplay's winter climate can lead to snow covering solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Installing panels at the optimal angle can help with snow shedding, and regular maintenance may be necessary.
- High altitude: At over 9,900 feet above sea level, Fairplay experiences thinner air, which can actually increase solar panel efficiency due to less atmospheric interference.
To mitigate these factors, consider using snow-shedding panel designs, implementing a regular cleaning schedule, and ensuring the installation can withstand potential heavy snow loads. The high altitude advantage can be maximized by using high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in cooler temperatures.
In conclusion, while Fairplay faces challenges during the winter months, its location still offers substantial solar energy potential, especially during summer and spring. With proper planning and maintenance, a solar PV system in this area can provide significant energy output throughout the year.
Note: The Northern Temperate Zone extends from 35° latitude North up to 66.5° latitude.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 4253 locations across the United States. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in the United States by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Fairplay
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 39.2231, Longitude: -106.0034 (Fairplay, United States), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 34° South in Fairplay, United States
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Fairplay, United States (Lat/Long 39.2231, -106.0034) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 34° South for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Fairplay, United States
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Fairplay, United States. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 34° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23° South in Summer | 43° South in Autumn | 54° South in Winter | 32° South in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Fairplay, United States
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Fairplay, United States.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Fairplay, United States
Fairplay, located in Park County, Colorado, sits in a high-altitude valley known as South Park. The topography around Fairplay is characterized by a mix of rolling grasslands and rugged mountainous terrain. The town itself is situated at an elevation of about 9,953 feet (3,034 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest incorporated towns in the United States.
To the west of Fairplay, the landscape quickly transitions into the steep slopes of the Mosquito Range, with several peaks reaching over 13,000 feet in elevation. These mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the town and contribute to its scenic beauty. To the east, the terrain is generally flatter, consisting of high-altitude grasslands and meadows that stretch for miles across the South Park basin.
The area surrounding Fairplay experiences a semi-arid climate with cold winters and mild summers. The high elevation and relatively clear skies contribute to intense solar radiation, which could be beneficial for solar energy production.
Areas Suitable for Large-Scale Solar PV
When considering locations for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations near Fairplay, the most suitable areas would likely be found in the flatter, open spaces to the east and southeast of the town. These areas offer several advantages for solar energy development:
1. The relatively flat terrain of the South Park basin would make construction and maintenance of solar arrays easier and more cost-effective compared to the mountainous regions to the west.
2. The open grasslands provide ample space for large-scale installations without the need for extensive land clearing or modification.
3. The high elevation and typically clear skies in this region result in strong solar radiation, which is ideal for maximizing energy production from solar panels.
4. Areas to the east of Fairplay are generally less developed, potentially reducing conflicts with existing land uses or residential areas.
However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar development would need to consider factors such as proximity to existing power infrastructure, environmental impact, and local zoning regulations. Additionally, the harsh winter conditions and potential for extreme weather events in this high-altitude region would need to be factored into the design and construction of any solar installation.
United States solar PV Stats as a country
United States ranks 2nd in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 95,209 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 3.40% of United States's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 26th in the world). Each year United States is generating 289 Watts from solar PV per capita (United States ranks 15th in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in United States?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in the United States. These include federal tax credits, state and local rebates, net metering policies, and renewable energy certificates (RECs). Additionally, many states have enacted legislation that requires utilities to purchase a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources such as solar.
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in United States? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
Citation Guide
Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Friday 27th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
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Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
